ACTS:A Way to Live
Monday, March 14 ACTS: A Way to Live The Gospel of Luke—Lent 2022 Read Luke 6:27-49
Focus Verse—Luke 6:35 But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great and you will be called sons of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.”
ACTion for Reflection: How to Bless This is a continuation of what is commonly known as the Sermon on the Mount. (Amy covered the Beatitudes on Friday). Jesus is teaching more about what it means to follow him. There is so much good stuff packed into this entire passage , I encourage you to read and listen to all of it.
Today’s focus passage (and the rest of Luke 6) are words of instruction, some of which are not easy to hear—example: “love your enemies.” Jesus says, “Love your enemies, do good to them…” in verse 27 and again in verse 35. This repetition was not a mistake but an important command in God’s word. Jesus wasn't talking about having affection for enemies: he was talking about an act of the will. You can’t “fall into” this kind of love- it takes a conscious effort. Loving our enemies means acting in their best interests. We can pray for them and think of ways to help them. Jesus loved the whole world - even those who were against him and in rebellion with God. He asks us to follow his example by loving our enemies and granting them the same respect and rights we desire for ourselves. This gives the Golden Rule a whole new feel when you insert your “enemy’s name ” in place of “others”. Remember, most often obedience is based on a choice rather than a feeling. Jesus ends this passage by saying that those who hear his words and obey will be like a house whose foundation is built on a rock (see Luke 6:46-48). The question is are we willing to sacrifice our feelings by choosing obedience to ensure our foundation is built on a rock ?
ACTion to Live Out: Be imitators of His kindness Many simple ideas for today- 1-open the door for others 2- smile intentionally at all people you encounter 3-ask others how you can help 4-yield and direct others to go ahead of you
Dear Lord Jesus, Thank you for teaching us how to live! After we daily reflect on your life-giving words, help us to then, through your Spirit, get up and ACT. Give us hearts of compassion, hands of generosity, and feet that take your good news to the world. What an honor it is to be your image bearer. Amen. Audio of Luke 6: https://youtu.be/PoKrCduOAso